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COLUM BI A 
THEOLOGICAL 
SEMINARY 



Vantage 



WINTER 2001 



Columbia inaugurates 
President Mendenhall 



Columbia Theological Seminary 
will celebrate the inauguration of its 
eighth president, Laura S. Mendenhall, 
April 23-25. "Leadership for the 
Church in the Twenty-First Century" 
is the theme for the occasion. The 
theme is taken from the discussion of 
Columbia's Campbell Scholars last fall 
and will explore the topic through con- 
texts of worship, a symposium, and 
workshops. Central to these activities 
will be the inauguration of President 
Mendenhall, with moderator of the 
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Syngman 
Rhee delivering the inaugural sermon. 

Mendenhall, who began her 
work at Columbia on August 22, had 
served previously as head of staff at 
Westminster Presbyterian Church in 
Austin, Texas. Her inauguration on 
April 24 will mark her formal begin- 
ning as president. 

Mendenhall's inauguration 
provides the forum in which to ask, 
"What kind of leadership is needed 
as the church seeks to be faithful to its 
missional character and imperative at 
the beginning of the new century?" 
Events begin on Monday, April 23. 
The classes of 1925-49, 1951, 1956, 
1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 
1991, 1996, and 2000 will have 
reunions that evening. At 6:00 p.m. 
alumni /ae are invited to spend time 
with President Mendenhall as she 
hosts a Texas barbeque on the campus, 
with live bluegrass music by local 



artists Steel Blue. Two Distinguished 
Service Awards will be presented to 
alumni/ae. Following dinner, the 
Harrington Center will be open from 
9:00-10:00 p.m. for visitors to view the 
art exhibition honoring this occasion, 
"Beginnings." 

The inauguration of President 
Mendenhall is scheduled at 10:30 a.m. 
on April 24 on the Oldenburg 
Quadrangle. Dr. Syngman Rhee, 
moderator of the Presbyterian Church 
(U.S.A.), will deliver the inaugural 
sermon, continuing the theme of church 
leadership. Rhee, whose national plat- 
form as moderator is reconciliation, 
will preach on "Quality Leadership in 
the Church." In addition to several 
choirs and presentations by Columbia's 
past presidents, representatives will 
bring greetings from colleges, semi- 
naries, Presbyterian churches, the 
Atlanta community, and the global 
community. Chair of the Board of 
Trustees Joanna Adams '79, Dean of 
Faculty Erskine Clarke '66, and Student 
Coordinating Council president Bobby 
Williamson '01 will offer the charge 
at the conclusion of the service. A 
luncheon on the quadrangle follows 
the ceremony, with desserts offered in 
buildings around the campus. 

Mendenhall will serve as modera- 
tor for a symposium on the inaugura- 
tion's theme from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. 
Participants include Daniel Aleshire, 
William Arnold '66, and Ofelia Ortega. 



Highlights of the schedule 



Monday, April 23 

6:00 p.m. Texas barbecue and country music dinner for alumni/ae and friends 

Tuesday, April 24 

10:30 a.m. Inauguration of Laura S. Mendenhall 

12:30 p.m. The Inauguration Luncheon 

2:00 p.m. The Inauguration Symposium: Daniel Aleshire, William Arnold, 

and Ofelia Ortega, with Laura Mendenhall moderating 
4:00 p.m. Workshops: Leadership for the Church in the Twenty-First Century 
5:30 p.m. Dinner on one's own in Decatur, Atlanta's new restaurant enclave 
8:00 p.m. "Columbia through the Years" 

Wednesday, April 25 

9:00 a.m. Bonus Workshops 

11:00 a.m. Worship, led by Walter Brueggemann 




Laura Mendenhall 



Syngman Rhee 



Walter Brueggemann 



These leaders from the arenas of con- 
gregations, seminaries, and communi- 
ties here and worldwide will speak to 
the issue of preparing leaders for the 
twenty-first century. How do we call 
forth and prepare leaders for the 
tasks ahead? 

Following the symposium, partici- 
pants are invited to attend one of six 
workshops from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m., each 
one addressing the event's theme in a 
different context. The workshops focus 
on nurturing leadership and are 
intended to help participants think about 
specific areas of congregational life. 

"Nurturing Leadership through 
Young Adult Ministry," led by 
Associate Professor of Christian 
Education Rodger Nishioka, focuses 
on what is on the horizon for youth 
and young adult ministries. 

"Nurturing the Public Witness of 
the Church," led by George Telford '58, 
former director of advanced studies 
and associate professor of theology at 
Columbia, explores ways to encourage 
the church to be, in public, a "provi- 
sional demonstration of what God 
intends for all humanity." 

Conant Professor of Worship 
Brian Wren is leader for "Nurturing 
Leadership in and through Worship." 
The workshop will look at what kind 
of worship nurtures missional leader- 
ship and openness to God's mission 
among us in Jesus Christ. 

President of St. Andrew's 
Presbyterian College and Columbia 
Professor Emeritus Douglas Hix '53 
is offering the workshop "Nurturing 
Older Adult Leadership." This work- 
shop is designed to help pastors 
understand older adults, their traumas 
about retirement, usefulness, responsi- 
bility, long-term commitments, health 
fragility, and the vocation of the 
Christian in later life. 

"Nurturing a Missional Church," 
led by Professor of Evangelism Darrell 
Guder, focuses on the growing recog- 



nition that the context of the North 
American church is rapidly changing. 

"Nurturing Christian Hope in the 
Twenty-First Century" will be led by 
three members of Columbia's first 
group of Campbell Scholars: Ofelia 
Ortega, Joanna Adams '79, and James 
Lowry '66. This seminar will reflect on 
prospects for faithful, missional energy 
in the church. The Columbia Scholars 
will discuss the necessity and difficulty 
of developing a truly global perspec- 
tive on the mission of the church. 

At 5:30 p.m., participants may 
have dinner on their own in Decatur, 
Atlanta's new restaurant enclave. 
At 8:00 p.m., students will present a 
performance of "Columbia through 
the Years," a dramatic historical inter- 
pretation directed by Anne Apple '01, 
followed by a reception, all at Decatur 
Presbyterian Church. 

On Wednesday, four of the work- 
shops will be repeated from 9:00-10:30 
a.m: Nishioka's "Nurturing Leadership 
through Young Adult Ministry," 
Wren's "Nurturing Leadership in 
and through Worship," Guder's 
"Nurturing a Missional Church," and 
the Campbell Scholars' "Nurturing 
Christian Hope in the Twenty-First 
Century." Participants are asked to 
register in advance for their preferred 
workshops. 

Inauguration events conclude 
Wednesday with an 11:00 a.m. service 
of communion and worship at 
Columbia Presbyterian Church. 
Convener of the Campbell Scholars 
2000 and Professor of Old Testament 
Walter Brueggemann will preach on 
"The Stunning Result of a One-Person 
Search Committee," and President 
Mendenhall will serve as liturgist, 
reading texts from Luke 9, I Kings 19, 
and II Kings 2. 

For information or to register, 
call 404/687-4566, or email 
poeb@CTSnet.edu. D 

Kris ten Anderson 




Vision and surprises 






Laura S. Mendenhall, President 




In this firs] 
semester I am 
frequently 
asked: What 
has surprised 
you since your 
move to the 
seminary? 
Even though 
the Search 
Committee 
prepared me 
well for what I would find, the faculty, 
the students, and the city have sur- 
prised me. 

Having been in awe of Columbia's 
faculty for years, I was not surprised 
by the depth of their knowledge nor 
by their creativity. What surprised me 
was their accessibility. I often see them 
engrossed in conversation with one 
another and with students, helping 
and encouraging one another as col- 
leagues, providing an education for 
students which goes tar beyond the 
classroom. They are also available to 
think through issues with me. In addi- 
tion, these teachers give themselves to 
the church. They are weekly involved 
in the life and ministry of congrega- 
tions — as active members, teachers, 
preachers, members of committees, 
and ones who write for others who 
teach and preach. 

I assumed that the students would 
be in and out with Alternative Context 
classes, with work in congregations 
and hospitals, with student holidays. 



I assumed that they would graduate 
before I could turn around, and there- 
fore they would not play a significant 
role in my work. Yet the sacrifices they 
are making to be here, their honest 
questions/ their faithfulness to their 
calls have become the inspiration for 
my work. I have opened the door to 
my office so that the students can stop 
by as they walk to classes, for they 
give me hope about what God is con- 
tinuing to do. 

The other surprise has been 
Atlanta. I was prepared to tolerate 
living in Atlanta, knowing that when 
this work was done I could return to 
Texas. What I appreciate about this 
international city in which the semi- 
nary has been planted is that commu- 
nity leaders seek to think through 
issues together, refusing to be stale- 
mated by the fear of making a mistake, 
but risking for the sake of a possible 
good, determined to do better by those 
who live here. This city is our class- 
room where we train leaders for the 
ministry of Jesus Christ 

In this first semester I am also 
asked: What is your vision for the 
seminary? This question is, at least 
initially, easy to answer because the 
Board of Trustees has a statement 
called Vision 2020. The seminary 
needed someone who would support 
and implement this vision. The truth 
is that the work at Columbia became 
interesting to me because of Vision 
2020. 1 do not think I was called here 



to fix something which was broken 
but rather to continue on toward the 
Statement of Mission initially adopted 
in 1992: Columbia Theological Seminary 
is an educational institution of the 
Presbyterian Church (USA), and a com- 
munity of theological inquiry and forma- 
tion for ministry in the service of the 
Church of Jesus Christ. In 1998, Vision 
2020 elaborated: Columbia commits 
itself to preparing and nurturing creative 
and energetic pastors and leaders of the 
Presbyterian Church (USA), and the 
larger church, who will engage the par- 
ticular communities to which they are 
called scripturally, theologically, prophet- 
ically, and pastorally; embody a model 
of shared leadership thai empowers lay 
ministry both within and beyond the 
congregation; and embrace the global 
context of church and world. 

This is also my vision for the sem- 
inary, and I see my job as diligently 
carrying out the 19 goals which are 
included in Vision 2020. 

The first goals speak to our hospi- 
tality to persons of other races and 
cultures and religious traditions, real- 
izing that we have much to learn from 
them, that we cannot prepare leaders 
for the church without their input. 
This semester we have taken steps to 
deal with our need for diversity among 
the student body and the faculty. 

The next set of goals speaks to our 
curriculum. We are committing our- 
selves anew to the classical disciplines, 
to modeling the Reformed tradition, to 



preparing pastors for churches of all 
sizes and contexts, to preparing both 
clergy and laity to serve as Christian 
educators, to providing opportunities 
for life-time learning, including dis- 
tance learning. 

There are goals for leadership 
development — fostering spiritual 
development and worship which 
reflects theological integrity, creativity, 
and passion; learning from other 
disciplines and the arts, as well as 
from other religions; forming leaders 
who will also assume public leader- 
ship in their communities. We are 
seeking to model the empowerment 
which comes from shared leadership. 
There are goals for research, tech- 
nology, and communication, which 
will strengthen our ties with congrega- 
tions and communities. 

The work of the Campbell 
Scholars this past semester lifted 
up our goals of extending global 
theological education — emphasizing 
mutuality of power and knowledge 
and expanding clergy's and laity's 
abilities to address issues of poverty, 
human rights, economics, media, and 
technology, cultural, gender, and racial 
differences, and principles of justice 
and human dignity. 

What a privilege to be called to 
work such as this! I am throwing 
myself into this vision wholeheartedly 
and invite you to join me, being open 
to surprises along the way. □ 



Ludwig R.M. Dewitz, 1916-2000 



The life of Professor Ludwig Dewitz, 
who died November 1, 2000, reveals a 
pattern unlike that of any other facul- 
ty member in Columbia Seminary's 
history. He not only survived the haz- 
ards and demonic forces that threat- 
ened his early life, but came to faith 
and ministry during one of the great 
crises of the twentieth century. He 
experienced the tumultuous history 
of two World Wars, the Holocaust, 
awesome economic depressions and 
ecclesiastical changes, yet believed 
and served the Sovereign God. 
Stephania H. Davis, in her Atlanta 
Journal/Constitution article after his 
death, wrote, "He was a German, a 
Christian, and a jew." In all the 
chapters of his extraordinary life in 
Germany, England, Italy, and the 
United States, he survived and grew 
in faith and scholarship. 

Dewitz used his intellectual and 
spiritual gifts in teaching the Bible, 
and particularly the Old Testament. 
He lived and grew in the nurture of 
the church and his family and friends 
throughout the 84 years of his long 



and faithful life. From a 12-year-old 
boy in Germany to his major task as 
Columbia's professor of Old Testament, 
he lived out his faith. In retirement, to 
the applause of his friends, he married 
his long-time friend, Miriam Brodsky, 
and they both were important mem- 
bers of the seminary community. 

He was born in Danzig, Germany, 
on April 29, 1916, of Jewish parents, 
was adopted and grew up in Berlin. 
He became a Christian at a camp for 
boys in the Black Forest. A series of 
amazing events led him to England, 
Italy, Baltimore, Maryland, and 
Decatur, Georgia. It was far more than 
a collection of coincidences: it was in 
reality the work of God in that young 
man's life. It began as he heard a 
growing flood of alarming statements 
about Jews, the least of which were 
those of the notorious minister of Nazi 
propaganda, Dr. Goebbels, "We shall 
treat the Jews as we treat flowers, only 
we shall not give them any water." 

For a time, Dewitz was able to 
study at a theological college, and 
later on, at an institution which had 




Ludwig Richard Max Dezvitz, professor emeritus of Old Testament 



been called into being by the 
Confessing Church in opposition to 
the teaching given at official universi- 
ties. Then, one morning the Gestapo 



appeared, warning that further gather- 
ings would have serious consequences. 
The future seemed nothing but a big 
continued on page 9 



VANTAGE 




Jim Watkins, Lee Carroll '68, director of supervised ministry at Columbia, Charlie 
Swezey, Union-PSCE, and Bill Golderer, Auburn Seminary, at the PC(USA) Publu 
Leadership Consultation at Columbia 



Faith and the City begins 



No one ought to doubt that civil 
authority is a calling, not only holy and 
lawful before God, but also the most 
sacred and by far the most honorable of 
all callings in the whole life of mortal(s). 

John Calvin 
Institutes of the Christian Religion IV.xx.4 

Jim Watkins 71 (D.Min. 77), 
Columbia's director of the Faith and 
the City Program, is trying to help the 
seminary look at itself through 'public 
leadership' eyes. 

Faith and the City was established 
in 1999 through a foundation grant. 
Watkins has colleagues at the 
Interdenominational Theological 
Center and Candler School of Theology 
at Emory University. A central office 
is in downtown Atlanta. 

The aim of the initiative is to foster 
the development of public leadership 
among clergy and clergy-in-training. 
A focus is to nurture a spirit of mutual 
community, shared responsibility, and 
common destiny among the citizens 
of the 20-county metro Atlanta region. 
However, clergy and clergy-in-training 
will be prepared for leadership in the 
public square no matter where their 
calls take them. 

The overall Faith and the City 
effort will help the Atlanta area wres- 
tle with issues of health, economic 
disparity, education, safety, physical 
environment, and social environment 
through forums, leadership develop- 
ment, and an interactive web site. 

A steering committee for the 
cooperative activity of the three 
seminaries consists of the presidents 
and deans of faculty and is chaired 
by the Honorable Andrew Young, 
former mayor of Atlanta, and by the 
Honorable James Laney, former presi- 
dent of Emory University. 

Though each campus has the 
same sort of public leadership devel- 
opment activity, the approach to those 
activities is different because the semi- 
naries are different. A student/ faculty 
Public Leadership Committee oversees 
and supports Faith and the City at 



Columbia. Current activity is focused 
on curriculum enhancement and 
community involvement. 

Watkins is clear that, for M.Div. 
students, a key is an infusion model 
— an integration of public leadership 
into existing courses. "This should not 
be something stuck out to one side, 
catering only to specific interests," 
Watkins says. "Simply adding more 
classes to an already full M.Div. plate 
is a sure way to create an ineffectual 
program." 

From the beginning Watkins has 
collaborated with faculty members to 
see how the infusion model might 
work. This collaboration has led to 
some interesting additions to course 
work. Participants in a spiritual 
formation course wrote their represen- 
tatives in Congress. Students in a 
worship course, through a case study 
approach, investigated leading worship 
on public holidays. A pastoral care 
course wrestled with pastoral care and 
counseling as a public ministry. An 
ethics course looked at questions of 
love and justice through public leader- 
ship eyes. A new church development 
seminar dealt with forming a public 
church culture. This winter three 
interns are at the state capitol assigned 
to committees following children's 
issues, gun violence, and the concern 
over the Georgia state flag. 

The approach to Advanced 
Studies courses and other programs is 
different. In September a two-week 
D.Min. course, "Pastor as Public 
Leader," will offer practical, how-to 
skills for public ministry. Small grants 
encourage D.Min. students to consider 
the area of public leadership for their 
research. Other courses are being 
offered through the Office of Continuing 
Education and the Lay Institute. 

Community involvement includes 
expanding a student-led recreation 
ministry at the Village of East Lake in 
Atlanta. Intentional community lead- 
ership development for youth is envi- 
sioned. Atlanta youth will benefit, and 
continued on page 9 



Columbia to host 
Barth conference 
April 20-21 

COLl MBIA rHEOLOGIl \i M \iiv\kn is 

honored to host what promises to be 
an outstanding opportunity to Learn 

more about the theological contribu- 
tions Ol Karl Barth. This spring marks 
the first time the Center tor Barth 

Studios at Princeton I heological 

Seminary has offered conferences 

away from Princeton g ■ ampus l am 
delighted that Columbia is the m. iiiu 

tion tapped to sponsoi this regional 
conference, which fo< uses on the the 

ology Of Barth as it applies to the 
church in the North Amei [i an • on- 
text," says Charles Raj nal, dire< tor 
of advanced studies ami associate 
professor of theolog\ at< olumbia 
"It signals a major commitment on 
our part to advance the stud) ol this 
significant theologian." Raynal's offii e 

lordinating the April 20-21 even! 

Few will disagree with the . laim 
that Barth was one of the most impor- 
tant theologians of the twentieth cen 

tury. He altered the course ol modern 

theology with his neo-orthodoxy, 
influencing the thinking of Emil 
Brunner, Reinhold Niehuhr, Hans 
Kung, Donald Bloesch, and countless 
other theologians. Barth was born m 
1886 in Basel, Switzerland, the son ..i 
a professor of New restament and 
church history. At the best Swiss and 
German universities, he studied under 
prominent liberal theologians of the 




Karl Barth 



the universirj In Basel until i%2. A 
prolific w niei, Barth died In i%8 
with \ olume i I "i i hurt h ' )ogmatu ■■ 
unfinished 

"Karl Barth fheolog) fol 

I'u'.i. King and Prayej highlights the 

work ol three Barth s. holars I he con- 
ference opens with a lei ime by Margil 
i in .i on "Karl Barth on Prea< King." 
Ernst, insta u. i..i ol theology al 
( olumbia, is i ompleting hei dot toral 
studies undei i berhard Busi h al 
i Idttingen I fniversity She has 
written ..ii I hristology feminisl theol 
"i;\. and the Reformed i onressions. 
Her partii Ipation In the Barth < onfei 
ence coincides with a spe< Lai i ourse 



"Preachers must love their congregations. They must not 
want to be without them." Karl Barth, Homiletics 



day. He was ordained in the Swiss 
Reformed Church in 1908 and was 
pastor of two churches in Switzerland 
between 1909 and 1921. 

While serving a village church in 
Safenwil, Switzerland, Barth became 
disenchanted with liberal theology 
and gained a new appi. . ution for the 
theology of the Reformers Seel ing t< 
minister more effectively to his con- 
gregation, Barth carefully Btudied 
Paul's letter to the Romans and difl 
covered "the strange new world with- 
in the Bible." His search product •< I 
Commentary on the I \nstle of the 
Romans in 1919. 

In 1921 Barth left parish ministry 
to teach theology. He first accepted an 
appointment at Gottingen University, 
then at Munster (1925-30), next at the 
University of Bonn (1930-35). While in 
Bonn, Barth was an active leader in 
the Confessing Church's opposition 
to Nazism. He wrote the Barmen 
Declaration in 1934, a confession of 
faith vigorously repudiating Nazi 
ideology on the basis of the gospel. 
For this and his refusal to take the 
oath of loyalty to Hitler, Barth was 
expelled from Germany in 1935. He 
returned to Switzerland and taught at 



during Columbia's sprin; lemester. 
i i n b) is co teai King " I he I Lfe and 

Work of Karl Barth" with Busch and 

Shirley ( ait In n •, pro lessor emeritus. 

The set ond presentation, "Karl 

Barth on Prayer," will be led by 

i ton i Sailers, proressoi ol theoli 
and worship at Emory University's 

Candler School of Theology. Saliers 

has written extensiverj on worship, 

spirituality, and prayer and is editor 
Of the second English edition of 
Barth's I'nu/ii 

Day two ol fcheo inference begins 
with worship led by President I .aura 
Mendenhall. George I lun singer 
then delivers two lei tlineS) "A Tale 
of Two Sermons" and "Lex Oratuii, 
Ixx Crendendi rhree Views of 
Theologi- al I anguage." Hunsigner 
directs Princeton's Center for Barth 
Studies and is author ol ' era! 
books on Barth, including the recent 
Disruptive Grace: Studies in the 
Theology of Karl Barth 

Advanced registration is necessary 
by March 30. Registration forms and 
more information are available from 
Mike Medford at 404/687-4534 or 
MedfordM@CTSnet.edu. □ 

Kimberly LeVert '03 



WINTER 2001 



Columbia compiles alum survey Professors engage the church 



Last spring, Columbia began a con- 
versation with its alumni/ae by send- 
ing out more than 2,300 surveys. We 
are grateful for the more than 600 
responses we received. Our analysis 
of your responses is being circulated 
among the Columbia faculty and 
administrators and will serve as a 
basis for reflection about Columbia's 
mission. 

The survey was comprised of two 
principal sections, demographics, and 
three essay questions. Analysis of the 
first section gives the following general 
demographics. The respondents are: 

• graduates from 1934, 1936, 1937, and 
every class from 1940 to 2000; 

• 15% female and 85% male; 

• 96% white, 2% Asian, 1% black; 

• from 26 to 89 years of age, with an 
average age of 58.5 years; 

• 84% PC(USA), 3% Methodist, 

3% Presbyterian Church in America, 
2% Baptist, 2% Reformed Church in 
America; 22 denominations total. 
In addition, a notable 96% of the 
respondents are ordained, and 93% o( 
them serve or have served in parish 
ministry. Of those ordained, 93% were 
ordained within 18 months of gradua- 
tion. This high percentage of respon- 
dents who are parish ministers sug- 
gests that those connected to the local 
congregation care deeply about the 
quality of Columbia's education and 
the formation of new pastors 

The second section of the survey 
asked the following three questions: 

1. What significant things have you 
learned since graduating from 
Columbia Seminary? 

2. What do you believe are the 
leading issues facing the church 
today and why? 

3. What can Columbia Seminary do 
to meet the challenges presented 
by these issues? 

Responses to the first question vary 
widely, ranging from administration 
to pastoral care to preaching. No par- 
ticular category draws a significant 
number of responses. 

Responses to the second question 



45 



offer perspectives on the leading issues 
facing the church today, the top 18 of 
which are presented on the chart below. 
It may be noted that the majority of 
respondents identify the leading issues 
.is matters largely "within" the church 
itself, e.g., membership decline. In con- 
trast, relatively few respondents name 
crises of the world, e.g., materialism. 

Suggestions in response to the 
third question totaled nearly 300. 
The seven most prevalent are listed 
below, in order of frequency. 
Promote diversity: "Practice diversity 
and dare to be open." 
Teach more administration: "More 
courses that deal with the issues of 
leadership and management." 
Evangelism: "Provide education in 
evangelism and new church develop- 
ment for all students and programs." 
Bible: "Teach future ministers to 
listen to and be judged by Scripture 
rather than sitting in judgment over 
Scripture." 

Reformed theology: "Continue solid 
base of Reformed theology." 
Spirituality: "Columbia should grow 
even more in spiritual discernment 
and direction so as to lead clergy and 
laity in the life of the Spirit." 
Pastoral care: "Columbia can do what 
it has always done: prepare men and 
women well for practical ministry. 
A sound education in the Bible, 
Reformed theology, pastoral care, and 
polity and various field experiences 
are what students need today." 

There were also a substantial 
number of specific suggestions for 
continuing education programs, such 
as courses in theology, preaching, 
worship, and ethics. 

Even as Columbia continues to 
study the responses to this initial 
survey, we are assembling the second 
survey in this ongoing conversation. 
Please contact the seminary at 
404/687-4657 if you have questions 
or comments. □ 
David Forney, associate dean of faculty 



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Issues facing the church (see legend) 



The church looks to the seminary to 
ensure its future. Church leaders and 
laity need to be confident about what 
is being taught and particularly who 
is doing the teaching. The classroom 
benefits when professors meet church 
leaders and members and struggle 
with them over the same problems 
and issues. 

Because of this mutuality between 
the church and seminary, Columbia 
has held meetings, both on and off 
campus, with church leaders and 
groups of faculty members over the 
past three months. To enable new 
professors and church leaders to 
know each other better, the seminary 
has held meetings in Albany and 
Conyers, Georgia, in conjunction 
with Flint River and Greater Atlanta 
presbyteries, and on campus with 
25 members of the Alumni/ae Council. 
More such events are being planned 
for gatherings of church leaders in 
South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, 
Tennessee, and Florida. 

In addition to these gatherings, 
Columbia professors continue to meet 
with church groups around the coun- 
try. With professors from Columbia 
playing a key role, membership at 
Edgewood Presbyterian Church in 
Birmingham, Alabama, has more than 
doubled over the last 10 years, accord- 
ing to Sid Burgess '90, the church's 
pastor. Professor Emeritus Shirley 
Guthrie, church history professor 
Catherine Gonzales, and theologian 
George Stroup have all paid visits to 
the congregation of 240 members, 
up from 88 members when Burgess 
became pastor straight out of seminary. 



"The scholars have come for a variety 
of occasions, but each has followed 
essentially the same format," Burgess 
says. 

"Shirley gave us the basic format, 
and we have adapted it to several 
topics," says Burgess. "Guthrie came 
in 1995, following publication of his 
revised edition of Christian Doctrine. 
An adult class at Edgewood spent a 
semester reading the book and devel- 
oping questions. Guthrie was the fea- 
tured guest at a class dinner on a 
Saturday evening and preached and 
led an adult forum on Sunday." 

Next, an adult class used the 
PBS television series, "From Jesus to 
Christ," for a study of Christology. 
George Stroup came to answer the 
questions of class members on 
Saturday evening, then preached and 
led the adult forum the next day. 
Catherine Gonzales was a special 
guest for Reformation Sunday in 1999, 
leading a class that had spent four 
months studying church history. 

"We promoted the events heavily 
within the church and bought small 
ads in the two local papers, and the 
people came. We can actually point 
to members who were drawn to our 
congregation through these visits," 
Burgess says. 

For information on the events 
at the Edgewood church, contact 
Burgess at Sidburg@aol.com, or call 
205/871-4302. If you are interested in 
hosting an event with church leaders 
and faculty members, contact Jim 
Speed '57 in Columbia's Alumni/ae 
Office at poeb@CTSnet.edu, or call 
404/687-4566. □ 



Chart 
Letter 



LEGEND 



Issue and Examples 



B 



Issues concern ing sexuality (homosexuality, sexual morality, abuse) 
Biblical authority and interpretations (loss of faithfulness to Bible) 



C Inclusivity and diversity (racially, theologically, and by gender) 



D Culture and complacency (relevancy, apostasy, resisting 
cultural pressures) ___^__ 



Pastoral leadership (lack of high quality clergy, servant leadership) 



Mission and outreach (Missio Dei, caring for each other, global justice) 



Membership (the decline of membership) 



H Spirituality (discernment, formation, loss of holiness and spiritual 
discipline) ^__ 



Education (basic Christian doctrines, better teacher training, tools, 
and learnings) 



J 



Evangelism (reaching the unchurched, youth, small church) 



K Worship (new forms, more Christ-centered, lower barriers) 



M 



Youth (develop faith, youth ministry as real ministry needs of youth) 
Peace and conflict (political infighting in church, conflicted churches) 



N 



O 



Who is Jesus? ( The Lord not a lord, who Jesus Christ is for us today) 
Gender (gender inequalities, placing more women in pulpits, sexism) 
Race (racial and economic issues, prejudice, racism) 



Materialism (consumerism, worship of money and power) 



R Poverty (hunger, illiteracy) 



Individualism (society is strongly individualistic, instant gratification) 



VANTAGE 




Doctor of Ministry students come to campus for coursework in January and July. 



D.Min. degree offers superior 
training for ministerial leadership 



What do seasoned pastors and 
Christian professionals do when they 
find their ministries in need of "new 
life"? They come to Columbia 
Seminary to earn a Doctor of Ministry 
(D.Min.) degree. 

Why do they come to Columbia? 
In addition to the variety of approach- 
es to the D.Min. degree and a flexible 
course of study, students are attracted 
by the high personal commitment of 
Columbia's faculty to the program. 
According to Charles Raynal, director 
of advanced studies and associate pro- 
fessor of theology, "Our faculty mem- 
bers love to teach in this program. By 
engaging ministers who come here, 
they keep learning directly from prac- 
ticing ministers what life in ministry 
to congregations and in other settings 
is like. Columbia's Doctor of Ministry 
degree is shared learning at its best. 



Add to these features the opportunity 
to join with colleagues in the pursuit 
of excellence in ministerial leadership 
and you have an outstanding program 
that draws students from all parts 
of the U.S. and around the world." 
Currently, 254 students seek the D.Min. 
degree at Columbia. On average, 
30 people graduate each year. 

Aiming to strengthen ministry in 
community, Columbia's Church and 
Ministry approach to the D.Min. 
degree is general in character, focusing 
on collegial learning which explores 
the nature of the local congregation, 
the church today, and its mission in 
the postmodern world. Students are 
required to describe and reflect upon 
personal ministerial identity and 
context, then envision new goals in 
ministry. The Church and Ministry 
introductory seminar is offered each 



fall in conjunction with Atlanta's 
[nterdenomination.il 1 heologu ,ii 
Center. Proposed dates for 2001 are 
September 10-12, October S 10, 
November 5-7, and December 

Possibilities tor other approaches 
to the degree include Gospel and 
Culture, New Church Development 
and Christian Spirituality Applications 
are being received for the Gospel and 
Culture introductor\ seminai \\ In. I> 
meets on campus June 18-29. Those 
interested in participating are urged to 
make application as soon as possible 
Based on the assumption that the 
North American context is now a 
"mission field," students and facullv 
involved with this program sli i\ . to 
identiK w ays in which a new and 
more faithful church might be created. 

New Church Development is a 
D.Min. offering unique to Columbia. 
It is designed to equip pastors and 
governing body executives with tools 
for missional church development 
With an ecumenically and ethnically 
diverse overview, this approach pro- 
vides strategies for organizing new 
churches while focusing on the spiritu- 
al gifts of those called to this ministry. 
After completing the introdlK lory 
seminar for this approach, Students ST€ 
required to take a sequence of three 
courses prior to taking ele< live < nurses. 
The next New Church I tevelopmenl 
introductory seminar meets April 16-27. 

Christian Spirituality, Columbia 
fourth approach to the D.Min. program, 
is eharat terized by denominational 
diversity. Learning and utilizing disci- 
plines that deepen their own Spiritual] 
ty, students seek to enhance the spiri- 
tual growth of those they serve. This 
spring two courses, "Earthy Spiritually: 
The Book of Psalms" and "The 
Literature and Practice of Spiritual 
Direction," are offered to help Students 
meet that goal. Christian Spirituals 
next offers an introductory seminar 
November 5-16. 

In addition to the introductory 



seminars, D.Min. students and faculty 
participate together in international 
seminars Columbia takes seriously its 
commitment to learning from 
Christians in other contexts. This year 
two opportunities .ire oftenNd to nurture 
a sense ol cioss cultural, global mission 
— one in China, the other in Scotland. 

In May. members oi C olumbia's 
Hoard of Trustees and faculty and 
D.Mm Students will travel to I long 
Kong and the People's Republic of 
China. For three weeks the group will 
meet with members and leaders of 
Christian chin. In ■■• m I long Kong, 

Nanjing, Shanghai, ami Beijing. 
Participants will cotisidei the Chinese 
experience and how it might help 
them to thinl more faithfully about 

religion, recon. ili.ition. and human 
rights I ravel dates an* Ma) 'I [une5. 
I mm |nly 1-10, a New Church 

Developmenl > ourse will be offered 
at the University ol Aberdeen, Scotland. 

i 'lofessor John Su mien will teach 
"Transforming Mission I developing 
B I 'i .n In .il Theology of Mission tor a 
Postmodern Age Mm- COUTSe Com- 
bines . lassroom based a» ademic work 
and field study ot five iu-w I hnrch 
developments in Scotland. 

i oi those vn ii" Snd it diffi< ult to 

I.m\ r Iiimmi' l<> ,kI\ .in. r then nlii. .iIk.ii 

Columbia offers ■> satellite program, in 

September, II people interested in tin- 
Church and Ministry Bpproai h be 

their D.Min. studies al Preeb) terian 
College. Raynal notes ( >ui hope Is 
thai the program will nni only meet 
the need ..i a u. i--ni-. involved but 

will al io lerve topn i te b positive 

relationship between the two institu- 
tions." PI. ins loi additional extension 

sites in the Southeasl are underway. 

To parti. Ipate in the I ).Min. 
degree, call 104/687 4534. Additional 
information Is available al the 

advanced studies web site Visit it at 

www.CTSnel edu, i lit I- "An ademic 
Programs," then click "Degree 
Programs." D Kimberly LeVert '03 



NCD students move toward 
completion of D.Min. degree 



Stan Wood, director of Columbia's 
Center for New Church Development 
(NCD), beams when he says, "The 
first students have completed the 
required NCD courses for their 
Doctor of Ministry in New Church 
Development!" Under Wood's conta- 
gious excitement for NCD and where 
it is heading in the twenty-first century, 
nine students are the first D.Min. 
students to specialize in Columbia's 
newest advanced degrees program. 
They are now moving through their 
elective courses toward the completion 
of their degrees. 

Columbia's Doctor of Ministry 
(D.Min.) approach in NCD, the only 
one of its kind, is specifically designed 



for individuals with five or more years 
of experience as NCD pastors and 
middle governing body executives 
overseeing NCD ministry. The aim is 
to equip missionary leadership in 
home mission through NCD in the 
new century. 

Although many of the students 
are Presbyterian Church (USA) pastors, 
other denominations are represented 
and are eagerly welcomed. Students 
in the first year of the program repre- 
sented four ethnic groups, two coun- 
tries, and several denominations, 
which make it the most multi-cultural 
of Columbia's D.Min. approaches. 

While all D.Min. students under- 
take a core seminar, the D.Min. students 



in NCD have two additional required 
courses: "Bridging the Gospel and 
Culture" and "Frontiers in Mission 
Strategy." Students then choose from 
four electives in order to custom lit 
the program to their individual needs 
and spiritual gifts. 

Finally, once all course work is 
completed, these students will embark 
upon their doctoral practicums and 
projects. Although these are individ- 
ual in nature, they focus on specific 
aspects of NCD ministry. 

The next NCD core seminar will 
be held at Columbia April 16-27. 
To leam more about this program, 
visit the web site at www.CTSnet.edu 
(Outreach Programs/ New Church 
Development), or contact Mike 
Medford in the Office of Advanced 
Studies at 404/687-4534, or e-mail 
advancedstudies@CTSnet.edu. 

Ruth Lovell '01 



Prom students in the spei uli/.ition: 

"The D.Min. approach in NCD is 
helping me to develop a more theolog- 
ically grounded and missiologically 
sensitive philosophy for ministry" The 
RfiV. David Boumgarden, River Glen 
Presbyteri.ii i < him h, Naperville, Illinois 

"The required courses for the 
program were very helpful in theolog- 
ical, biblical, practical, and strategical 
thinking. I would highly recommend 
the NCD program." The Rev. Aaron 
Lee, New Imani Community Church, 
Randallstown, Maryland 

"Deepening the conversation has 
also deepened the friendship of our 
core class, which has led to a depth of 
accountability in life, ministry, and 
studies." The Rev. Craig Williams, 
Trabuco Presbyterian Church, Trabuco 
Canyon, California □ 



WINTER 2001 



Lay Institute 
hosts the arts 

"Feminine Images of God," an exhibi- 
tion co-sponsored by the Lay Institute 
and the Individual Visual Artists' 
Coalition of Atlanta, is being displayed 
in Columbia's Harrington Center 
through March 16. The exhibition, the 
work of some 20 local artists, includes 
work in a variety of media: painting, 
sculpture in bronze and ceramic, and 
fabric art. The works express both 
the way humankind has experienced 
God as feminine and the ways God 
has appeared to women. 

In an upcoming event, all artists 
who have had work displayed on 
campus since the Lay Institute began 
its schedule of exhibitions in the fall of 
1996 will be invited to submit work 
for a show, "Beginnings," to be on 
display for President Mendenhall's 
inauguration in April. 

Artists from all over the country 
participated in the exhibition, "Irony 
and Delight," at Columbia, October 29 
- December 15, 2000. From more than 
400 entries, 32 works were selected for 
the exhibition. They represented the 
theme for the show, thanksgiving for 
the good gifts, and the odd, surpris- 
ing, "wondrous strange" gifts God has 
given us. 

Awards went to "Frail Grasp" by 
Lisa La Vine of LaHabra, California 
(first place), Pnsciila Troy's scries on 




Mark your calendar for off-campus 
spring learning 



"Revelation" by Teresa Brazen is on 
exhibit in "Feminine Images of God." 



the deadly sins (second place), and 
Linda Anderson's "The Kiss" and 
Katie Osenga's, "The Madonna of the 
Media" (third place). Troy and 
Anderson are Georgia artists; Osenga 
is from Richmond, California. Paul 
Falcone's "Triptich II: God" won the 
purchase award. Falcone teaches art 
at Northwest Missouri State. 

For more information about the 
arts at Columbia Seminary, contact 
the Lay Institute, or look under 
"Programs in the Arts" on the 
Institute's portion of the web site. D 



Grow in faith this winter 



From Mark to music, from 
Dunwoody to downtown, the Lay 
Institute of Faith and Life offers a 
course to suit your needs this winter. 
Explore diverse issues in several loca- 
tions around metro Atlanta. 

On campus in Decatur, choose 
from three evening courses and a 
morning course. Evening classes meet 
Mondays, February 5, 12, 19, and 26 
from 7:30 - 9:30 pm. Cost is $45. 
Choose from the following courses: 

"Immediately: The Gospel of 
Mark." The gospel of Mark is full of 
urgency. With New Testament profes- 
sor Beth Johnson, explore why the 
gospel writer tells the story this way. 

"Surprise Us by the Words We Sing: 
The Significance of Singing Together in 
Worship." Singing together in worship 
is not for specialists, but for the whole 
congregation. With renowned hymn- 
writer and professor Brian Wren, 
explore how singing enriches worship 
and how worship leaders and musi- 
cians can best work together. 

"Being Faithful in a Postmodern 
World." Do postmodern Christians 
read the Bible or understand God 
differently than their "modern" 
predecessors? With theologian and 
professor George Stroup, we will 
explore this topic. 

The morning class meets 



Tuesdays, February 6, 13, 20, 27, and 
March 6 from 10:30 a.m. to noon: 
"Making 'Sense' of the Bible: The 
Purposeful Gifts of Our Five Senses." 
With Linda Morningstar, associate 
director of the Lay Institute, explore 
how each of our senses seems purpose- 
fully designed to enhance our relation- 
ship with God. Cost is $35. 

Off campus, choose from two 
courses: 

"What Does It Mean to Be Human?" 
will be taught by renowned theologian 
and professor emeritus Shirley Guthrie 
at St. Luke's Presbyterian Church in 
Dunwoody, Georgia. Class meets 
Thursdays, February 1, 8, 15, 22 from 
10:30 a.m. to noon. Cost is $35, $25 for 
St. Luke's members. 

"A Sampler of Women Writers 
will be taught by several Columbia 
faculty and staff members at Central 
Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. Class 
meets February 7, 14, 21, and March 7, 
14 from 12:15-1:15 p.m. Learn about 
and read samplings from the works 
of St. Teresa, Alice Walker, Madeleine 
L'Engle, Anna Akhmatova, and 
Ursula Hegi. Registration fee of $50 
includes lunch. 

For a brochure and registration 
form for any of these courses, call 
the Lay Institute of Faith and Life, 
404/687-4577. □ 



1 1 ii Lay Institute of Faith and Life 
offers two opportunities for growing 
in faith this spring — one course in 
Atlanta and another in Cartersville, 
Georgia: 

"Writers You've Been Meaning to 
Read" will be taught at Peachtree 
Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, March 
7, 14, 21, 28, and April 4 from 7:00 - 
9:00 p.m. Cost is $45; $35 for Peachtree 
members. 

Learn about and read sample 
writings of C. S. Lewis, taught by 
Charles Raynal, director of advanced 
studies; Thomas Merton, taught by 
Presbyterian pastor Joan Gray '76; 
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, taught by Mike 
Medford, associate in advanced 
studies; Julian of Norwich, taught by 
Rebecca Parker, associate director, 



Mary and Martha's Place; and John 
Milton, taught by Rick Dietrich, direc- 
tor, Lay Institute of Faith and Life. 

"Wrestling with the Hard Stuff" 
will be taught March 5, 12, 19, 26 from 
7:30 - 9:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian 
Church in Cartersville. Cost is $45; 
$35 for church members. 

Improve your Bible interpretation 
skills by wrestling with a specific 
hard biblical passage each week. The 
course will be taught by Columbia fac- 
ulty members Darrell Guder, professor 
of evangelism and church growth, 
Stan Saunders, associate professor of 
New Testament, Ann Clay Adams, 
director of admissions, and Stan 
Wood, director of the Center for New 
Church Development. 

For information, 404/687-4577. D 



Fifth Potential New Church 
Development Pastor conference 
held in October 



With more than 30 Presbyterian pas- 
tors from across the country in atten- 
dance, Columbia's Center for New 
Church Development (NCD) held its 
fifth annual conference for training 
potential new church development 
organizing pastors in late October. 
This year's event was co-sponsored 
by the Center for New Church 
Development and the Office of New 
Church Development, Evangelism and 
Church Development Program Area, 
National Ministries Division of the 
General Assembly of the Presbyterian 
Church (USA). 

Participants were energetic and 
eager to absorb as much as possible 
from the week's schedule. One pastor 
commented, "This is extremely valu- 
able work. The guidance and direction 
of NCD will probably do more for the 
Presbyterian Church than can be 
imagined at this time. The movement 
of the Holy Spirit is in this!" Another 
participant shared, "God gave us more 
than we expected in this seminar." 

Stan Wood, director of the center, 
says, "This conference is a missional 
show and tell." For instance, Rosalie 
Potter, associate director, Office of 
New Church Development with the 
General Assembly, spoke on "A 
Twenty-First Century Look at Church 
Growth." "What Is the Point of Singing 
Today?" was led by Brian Wren, the 
Conant Professor of Worship at 
Columbia. Director of the Faith and 
the City Program at Columbia Jim 
Watkins '71 (D.Min. '77), explored 
with participants "The Pastor as a 
Public Leader." Other Columbia facul- 



ty and staff involved in the conference 
leadership included President Laura 
Mendenhall and professors Rodger 
Nishioka, Walter Brueggemann, and 
Stan Wood. 

The conference included small 
group discussions, lectures, new church 
site visits, study time, shared devotional 
time, recreation, and the opportunity 
for participants to develop their own 
mission statements. Seven case studies 
by NCD pastors from the greater 
Atlanta area were presented through- 
out the week. 

Participants in the conference are 
pastors who possess ministry skills and 
personality traits particularly suited 
for a calling in new church develop- 
ment. Specific skills and characteristics 
include a genuine excitement about 
church growth, proven skills in evan- 
gelism, preaching, worship leadership 
and organization, a pastor's heart, a 
strong faith, and commitment to Christ. 

Columbia has made a commit- 
ment to engage the theme of New 
Church Development based upon 
missiological and theological reasons. 
A commitment to a theology of Missio 
Dei, believing that the mission of God 
is the healing of creation, motivated 
by God's compassion, make this 
endeavor necessary. The formation of 
new faith communities, or new church 
developments, is one of many essential 
aspects of that mission. 

For information on next year's 
event, contact the center at 
404/687-4585 or ncd@CTSnet.edu. □ 

Ruth Lovell '01 



VANTAGE 



Spirituality 
Program travels 
to Avila, Spain 

Columbia's Spirituality Program has 
celebrated its fifth birthday. In the past 
five years, God has been at work in 
more than 50 courses to transform the 
lives and ministries of pastors, elders, 
educators, parish nurses, missionaries, 
and lay leaders. Participants have 
gained new insight and training in the 
Christian life. Spiritual leaders have 
found healing, resources for ministry, 
new friendships, and space to be with 
the living God. 

One highlight was the fall course 
held in Avila, Spain. The group was 
privileged to live out the course's title, 
"Walking in the Footsteps of Teresa of 
Avila." The Carmelite brothers of 
Centro Internacional Teresiano- 
Sanjuanista offered warm hospitality 
and excellent lectures on Teresa of 
Avila and John of the Cross. 

The memories of the final night in 
Avila serve as a vignette for the ways 
God surprised the group with new 
insight and joy. After the small groups 
closed in prayer and the final lecture 
by a leading Vatican Teresian scholar, 
the group assembled in the dining 
room. Out of the kitchen came Father 
Javier and Father Romulo. The two 
Carmelite brothers — who had lec- 




Professor Romulo Guartas Londono led 
discussions on Teresa and John of the 
Cross. 

tured throughout the week, been 
guides on field trips around the 
Castilian countryside and embodied 
the love of Jesus and Teresa through 
their hospitality — were singing bless- 
ings to the group. Later that night all 
were gathered at the Lord's Table and 
celebrated the "joyful feast of the peo- 
ple of God," who had come from 
Madrid, Guatemala, Chicago, Dallas, 
and Atlanta. 



The Certificate in Spiritual 
Formation continues to ofrei new and 

exciting courses that strive to encour- 
age the spiritual life ol leaders within 
the church of Christ. The \ arietj Ol 
courses is designed for resting retool 
ing, and reinvigorating tninistT) lead- 
ers of local congregations. Can you 
think ol a minister or member ol youi 
congregation whose minisi i \ you car 
encourage? Why not dim I them to 
Columbia's web site tor a list ol SD1 Ing 
courses sponsored In the Spirituality 
Program? Or bettei yel tell them 
about the following courses 

"Healing and Wholeness In the 
Christian Life" is especially recom- 
mended for elders, pastors, parish 
nurses, Stephen Ministers, and those 
involved in healing ministries [aught 
by both a pastor and a physician, this 
course will explore the meaning ol the 
word "wholeness" and the role ol 
prayer and healing in the context of 
Christian spirituality mu\ modem 
medicine. The course is ottered April 
22-27 in Almont, Michigan. 

"The Enneagram: An Ancient [bol of 
Spiritual Discovery" is offered for 
those interested in personality and 
spirituality and learning how the 
enneagram can be a helpful tool m 
understanding the integration ot pel 
sonality traits and prayer. Many have 
said that the enneagram is more help- 
ful than the Myers-Briggs Personality 



liulu atOl in assisting in one's spiritual 
journey. Since the enneagram was first 
shared h\ oral tradition, joining 
together in community for a week ot 

instruction dialogue and worship will 
embody the richness ol this an< lenl 

tool I he i OUTSe is ottered |une 17-22. 
"CommuniU and I lospitality: The 

ntiple "i i torothj I >aj w 111 use an 
a< Qon refta don model ol learning by 
i on< entrating on the w ritings and 
example ol I torothj i \w and sharing 

thr Open Door's mnn .h\ to the home 
loss ,md those in prison Students will 
live out the spiritual and nn.i.il dimen 

sions "i * in Istiar faith while spending 
time on the streets ol Atlanta and 
residing at the I Ipen I >>»>. ( ommunlty 
i in b two w eel i ourse Is offered to b 

limited enrollment I he course is 
Offered luly 8-20 at the Open I »ooi 

and ( olumbia 
* ongregationa] I >••> talon Making: 

Spiritual I >r.< ei nment m A. don will 

engage pain. Ipants In exploring the 
"movements "i spiritual discemmenl 

around a . ongregationa] man. a .>i 
theii >n\ n seta don, i he course will he 
i.u Ultated In the > ontexl <>i the i>>ur 
"practices" oi story telling, Biblical 
a\u\ theologi. ,ii reilei don, \ Isioning 
and spiritual disi ei runenl I he i">>i 

In. m this > ourse may transfoi QC1 

. huu h hoards ami sessions The 

i ourse Is offered July 22-27 at the 
I ah in i enter, I lampton, i ieorgia. D 



Class of 1974 becomes the spring 
2001 Guthrie Scholars 



Columbia's Office of Continuing 
Education has invited the Class of 
1974 back to campus as the 2001 
spring Guthrie Scholars. The Guthrie 
Scholars program, established in 
honor of Professor Emeritus Shirley 
Guthrie, provides an opportunity for 
pastors to spend a week at Columbia 
for individual study and reflection. 

There is a new mix in this invita- 
tion to the class of 1974. "Not only 
are we inviting a whole class to the 
campus for a week, we hope that the 
week will be one of dialogue for all of 
us," says Mary Miller Brueggemann, 
acting director of continuing education. 
A luncheon with the faculty and the 
Class of 1974 will offer a time for the 
class to talk with faculty members 
about issues facing the church. This 
forum will provide an opportunity for 
ministers and teachers to share their 
perspectives about the church and 
the world. 

Those returning for the program 
have been asked to reflect on the theo- 
logical issues which they are facing in 
their local churches. From the applica- 
tions that have come in, the issues of 
pluralism are evident. The group is 
also being asked to read Guthrie's book, 
Alzvays Being Reformed. "I see that as 



a beginning point to conversation," 
Guthrie says, "a way of asking how 
we can be faithful ministers of Jesus 
Christ to those inside and outside the 
church whose values are different 
from our own, without being arrogant 
and intolerant on the one hand or com- 
promising the Gospel on the other." 
During the week, Guthrie will serve as 
mentor and pedagogue to the group. 

As in the past, each scholar will 
choose his or her own area of work 
and study. The focus of the week is for 
individual study time for pastors and 
church leaders who find little time for 
such reflection. Each afternoon a con- 
versation with a particular faculty per- 
son is offered to the group. This bal- 
ance of individual study time and 
opportunities to hear new develop- 
ments in the theological world makes 
the Guthrie Scholar Program some- 
thing special. The program will run 
this year from March 5-9. Participants 
pay their own travel costs. Room and 
board are covered by the seminary. 

The fall 2001 Guthrie Scholars 
program, November 5-9, is still 
open to pastors and church leaders 
by individual application. Call the 
Continuing Education Office at 
404/687-4562 for more information. D 




Columbia'* Center for New Church Development hosted an NCD Commission work- 
shop for the presbyteries of Greater Atlanta, Cherokee, and Northeast Georgia. The 
day-long event i overed ■•«/< h topics as stages of new church development, presbytery 

ion, and strategies for NCDs. Those attending were commission members and 
members of presbytery staffs. 



WINTER 2001 



Advanced Studies and 

New Church Development calendars 

February 5-6, March 26-27, April 16-17 Educational Ministry in thf Local 
Church: A Case Study Approach Leader: Ronald Cram at Presbyterian College. 

March 5-16 The Literature and Practice of Spiritual Direction Leader: 
John Kloepfer. 

April 16-27 D.Min. Introductory Seminar in New Church Development 
Leader: Stan Wood. 

April 20-21 Karl Barth: Theology for Preac hin<, and Prayer Southeast regional 
conference. See article, page 3. 

April 30 - May 11 Earthy Spirituality: Psalms Leader: Walter Brueggemann. 

May 21 - June 5 The Church in China: A Travel Seminar to Hong Kong and 
The Peoples' Republic of China See article, page 5. 

June 18-29 D.Min. Intw >i h n [DRY Seminar in Gospel and Culture. See page 5. 

July 1-10 Transforminc 1 MlSSK >N: DEVELOPING A Practical Theology of Mission 
for a Postmodern Age A travel seminar to Scotland. See article, page 5. 

July 9-20 Summer Session I: 

1. Community and Hospitality: Learning from Dorothy Day Leaders: 
Charles Campbell and Ed Loring (with time in residence at the Open Door 
Community). Class begins July 8. 

2. Money Matters in Ministry Leader: Cameron Murchison. 

3. The Theoiogy of Lesslif Newbigin Leader: George Hunsberger. 

July 23 - August 3 Summer Session II: 

1 The Language of Worship Leader: Brian Wren. 

2. The Body of CHRIST ESCHATOLOGY, Mission, and Church in the New 
Testament Leader: Stan Saunders. 

3. NlCEA AND CHALCEDON: THE THEOLOGY OF THE CHURCH AT THE BEGINNING OF 

Constantine's Empire Leader: Charles Raynal. 

4. Frontiers in Mission Strategy (NCD second required course) Leader: 
Stan Wood. 



Lay Institute calendar 



January 21 - March 16 Feminine Images of God See article, page 6. 

February 5, 12, 19, 26 Evening Lay School See article, page 6. 

February 6, 13, 20, 27, March 6 Morning Lay School See article, page 6. 

February 1, 8, 15, 22 What Does It Mean to Be Human? See article, page 6. 

February 7, 14, 21, March 7, 14 A Sampler of Women Writers See article, page 6. 

March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4 Writers You've been Meaning to Read See article, 
page 6. 

March 5, 12, 19, 26 Wrestling with the Hard Stuff See article, page 6. 

April 1 - May 19 Beginnings, an arts exhibition in honor of President 
Mendenhall's inauguration. Free. 

June 25-29 Esther's Feast: A Study of the Book of Esther (Presbyterian 
Women's Bible Study) Leader: Patricia Tull. Cost: $45. 

August 6-10 Summer Lay Scholars: "Introduction to the Old Testament" 
Leaders: Kathleen O'Connor and Christine Roy Yoder. Cost: $325 includes 
room and board; $200 tuition only. 

August 6-10 Esther's Feast. A Study of the Book of Esther (Presbyterian 
Women's Bible Study) Leader: Rebecca Parker. Cost: $45. 

August 10-11 Esther's Feast A Study of the Book of Esther (Presbyterian 
Women's Bible Study) Leader: Linda Morningstar. Cost: $30. 

August 24-25 Esther's Feast A Study of the Book of Esther (Presbyterian 
Women's Bible Study) Leader: Linda Morningstar. Cost: $30. 



Continuing Education calendar 

February 12-13 Navigating Treacherous Waters: Honoring our Personal 
and Professional Boundaries Leader: Sharon Mook. Cost: $115. 

February 16 The Night of the Sense: Lent's Journey of The Soul Leader: 
Suzanne Guthrie. Cost: $60. 

February 26-27 Conversations About the Missional Church Second in a 
series on how U.S. churches can rethink what it means to be "missionary 
congregations" in a post-Christendom time. Leaders: Darrell Guder and 
Craig Van Gelder. Cost: $160. 

March 5-9 Guthrie Scholars Week See article, page 7. 

March 19-21 Business Skills for Pastors Leaders: Paul Copley and 
Cameron Murchison. Cost: $125. 

March 26-29 Contemplative Retreat FOR Women at the Sacred Heart 
Monastery in Cullman, Alabama. Leader: Roberta Martin. Cost: $225. 

April 22-27 CONTEMPLATrvE Retreat for Men at the Monastery of the Holy 
Spirit, Conyers, Georgia. Leader. David Guthrie. Cost: $240. 

May 14-16 Creative Transptions to Retirement Leader: Edward A. White. 
Cost: $185. 

June 14-17 Administrative Personnel Association Regional Conference, 
Presbyterian Church (USA) Level I Courses: Theology, Time Management, 
Financial Management and Level II Courses: Communication, Directory of 
Worship, Assertiveness Skills Designed for lay employees of churches who 
are interested in professional growth and who seek certification in the 
Administrative Personnel Association. It is not necessary to be a member of 
APA to attend. Leaders: Cameron Murchison, Linda Davis, Casie Hughes, 
Rebecca Parker, and Tina Donan. Cost: TBA. 

June 25-29 

1 . Prose Rhythms, Memorable Images: Writing Craft for Sermons, Prayers, 
and Liturgies Leader: Mary Nilsen. Cost: $225. 

2. Human Development A Course for Certification in Christian Education 
Leader: Patricia Baxter. Cost: $250. 

3. The Gospel of Luke: Textual Preaching for the Church Leader: Elizabeth 
Johnson. Cost: $125. 



Certificate in Spiritual Formation calendar 

February 4-9 Immersion Week Leaders: Julie Johnson and Columbia faculty 
members. Cost: $400. 

March 4-9 Literature and Practice of Spiritual Direction Leader: 
John Kloepfer. Cost: $300. 

March 15-18 Prayer in Many Forms Leader: Ellen McCormack. Cost: $225. 

April 22-27 Healing and Wholeness in the Christian Life Cost: $300. 
See article, page 7. 

April 29 - May 4 Earthy Spirituality Leader: Walter Brueggemann. 
Cost: $300. Waiting list. 

June 17-22 The Enneagram: An Ancient Tool of Spiritual Discovery 
Cost: $300. See article, page 7. 

July 8-20 Community and Hospitality: The Example of Dorothy Day 
Cost: $600. See article, page 7. 

July 22-27 CONGREGATIONAL DECISION-MAKING: SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT IN 

Action Cost: $300. See article, page 7. 



For more information on these and additional events, 
call 404/378-8821 or visit www.CTSnet.edu. 



VANTAGE 











Columbia Friendship Circle Council's fall meeting brought together representatives 
from 12 presbyteries, as well as council officers, which includes Presbyterian Women 
moderators from the Synods of Living Waters and South Atlantic. Participants 
attended a class taught by Brian Wren, professor ofzuorship, met the six scholarship 
recipients and their spouses, and had some time with President Laura Mendenhall 
Come See Columbia Day is Thursday, April 19. Highlights of the day will include 
President's Mendenhall preaching at the worship service and meeting and hearing tin 
stories of the scholarship recipients for 2000-2001. 



Dewitz 

continued from page 2 



"question mark/' as Dewitz described 
it. In the summer of 1936, Dewitz was 
unexpectedly invited to a meeting in 
Germany with the Rev. S. H. 
Wilkinson, director of the Mildmay 
Mission to the Jews in England, who 
offered him a position in London. 
Providentially, this took place shortly 
after he learned that his birth mother 
was Jewish. His adoptive parents 
were required to provide a birth cer- 
tificate to the Nazi authorities, and 
that put his life in serious danger. The 
following year, he fled to England. As 
he crossed over the border from 
Germany to Holland, he felt both joy 
and sorrow. The joy came from feeling 
that he would survive and carry on 
his ministry. The sorrow was the feel- 
ing that he had left his home and 
might never experience it again. 

Even in England, as World War II 
spread across Europe and threatened 
Great Britain, Dewitz was interned for 
the duration as a German citizen. In 
the internment camp he began to 
teach the Bible, and he continued to 
do so with enthusiasm and effective- 
ness all of his life. He also studied at 
the University of London by extension 
courses to qualify for the Bachelor of 
Divinity degree. 

Ordained for ministry by the 
Waldensian Church of Italy in 1949, 
Dewitz brought little more with him 
to the United States than these experi- 
ences, his degree, and his commitment 
as a Christian and a minister. While 
serving as a missionary to the Jews in 
Baltimore, Maryland, he studied with 
William F. Albright at Johns Hopkins 
University and received the Ph.D. in 
1960. He was an exceptional linguist, 
mastering more than 10 languages. 

Dewitz came to Columbia 



Seminary in 1959 as professor of Old 
Testament. He began an amazing and 
fruitful career of instruction, pastoral 
care, and ministry in the Presbyterian 
Church. After his retirement in 1983, 
he continued to be in great demand as 
a Bible teacher and preacher. His former 
students waited in line to secure a 
time in his schedule for teaching and 
preaching in their churches. Professor 
Dewitz had friends around the world, 
and wherever he traveled, he received 
hospitality from a variety of friends in 
various countries and cultures. 

Dr. Dewitz made demands on 
students and was sometimes disap- 
pointed in their efforts. He need not 
have been concerned, for most of his 
students came to know, respect, and 
admire him. He not only taught in a 
traditional way, but often had students 
sing Hebrew psalms or songs as a 
teaching method. His teaching beyond 
the campus embraced a wide variety 
of settings, such as youth conferences, 
Sunday school classes, women's meet- 
ings, presbytery and synod programs, 
clergy seminars, and Young Life lead- 
ership training sessions. 

One of Dewitz's most enjoyable 
extracurricular activities was the 
regular opera classes which he held 
in his home. Students and staff were 
invited to listen to his introduction of 
the works and then enjoy his treasured 
recordings or radio broadcasts. He 
rarely missed Metropolitan Opera 
performances in Atlanta. 

Those who knew him often speak 
of many treasured associations in 
these varied settings. The truest thing 
that could be said about Ludwig 
Dewitz is that in his ministry he faith- 
fully served under the authority of the 
God who led him through danger and 
disaster to a useful lifetime of witness 
and ministry. Q /. Davison Philips '43 
President Emeritus 



Winter reading recommendations 
from Columbia's faculty 

The Parables of Jesus: A Commentary by Arland J. Hultgren 
The Return ofjesus in Early Christianity by [ohn T. Carrol] 

Islam A Short History by Karon \nustrong 

Happy to He Nappy by Bell Hooks and Christopher Raschka 

Trouble with Jesus: Women, Christology t and Preaching by I . Susan Bond 

Changing the Mind of Missions: Where Have We I )one Wrong ' bj fames F. Bngel 

and William A. Dyrness 
The Divine Conspiracy Rediscovering t lui Hidden life in God by Dallas Will. mi 
All Creation Is Groaning. An Interdist iplinary \ ision fbi ' ife in a Sacred Unm 

by Carol J. Dempsey and Russell A. Butkus 
Plainsong by Kent Hanoi 
God's Name in Vam: I low Religion Should and Should Not Be Invoiced in Politii S 

by Stephen Carter 
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant and Carol Bilger 
The Godbearing life: The Art of Soul Vending fin Youth Ministry b) Kenda Creasy 

Dean and Ron Foster 
Big Questions, Worthy Dreams: Mentoring Young Adult-, in then Search fo\ 

Meaning, Purpose, and Faith by Sharon Daloz I'arks 

The New Public Service by Paul Charles Lighl 

Christianity in Jewish Terms by Tikva Simone I rj mei kensky 

freedom from I ear: The American People in I )epression and War by David Kennedy 

Charming Billy by Alice McDermott 

What Does the Lord Require? A Nczv Anthology oj Prayers and Songs for Worship 

and Mission, ed. by Francis Brienen 
The Sacrament of Teaching: A Social Science {pproach by James Michael I ee 
The Child in Christ um Thought, ed. by Marcia J. Bunge 

Reading the Bible and the ( onfessions'. The Presbyterian WaybyJackBartlett Rogers 
Sexuality and the Christian Body: Their Way into the Triune Cod by Fugeiu- V. Rogers 
Mighty Stories, Dangerous Rituals: Weaving together the Human and the Divine 

by Herbert Clark and Edward Foley 
Annals of the Former World by John A. MePhee 
From Complicity to Encounter: The Church and the Culture of F.conomism by 

Jane Collier and Rafael I steban 
Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Commuuiti/ l>\ 

Robert D. Putnam 
Evocations of Grace: The Writings of Joseph Sillier on I ■ ologi/. theology, and I ////< s 

by Joseph Sittler 
Let Ministry Teach: A Guide to Theological Reflection by Robert Kinast 
Pastoral Care with Stepfamilies: Mapping the Wilderness by I.oren I.. Townsend 
Disruptive Grace: Studies in the Theology of Karl Barth by George I [unsingei 
On Christian Theology by Rowan Williams 
Theology, Hermeneutics, and Imagination: The Crisis o) Interpretation at the End 

of Modernity by Garrett C ami 



Faith and the City 
continued from page 3 



Columbia students will learn commu- 
nity organization and education skills 
Plans are also underway to sponsor 
roundtable events seeking to answer 
the question, "Is there a place for the 
poor in smart growth?" 

Through Faith and the City, guests 
from the public square have visited 
campus. Members of the Georgia 
House — the Honorable Kathy Ashe, 
an elder at Central Presbyterian 
Church, and the Honorable Jim Martin, 
an elder at Momingside Presbyterian 
Church — helped students and faculty 
look at the November election. The 
mayor of Decatur, Bill Floyd, and the 
newly elected chief executive officer of 
DeKalb County, Vernon Jones, have 
visited the campus. 

"We are a learning lab for what it 
means for clergy and clergy-in-training 
to have the capacity for public leader- 
ship," Watkins says, noting that 
Columbia recently hosted a second 



consultation for all Presbyterian Chun h 
USA-related seminaries on the topic. 

The question of the separation of 
church and state has been one of the 
discussion threads woven through 
Faith and the City efforts. Watkins 
notes that there is a great deal of 
confusion about what that separation 
means " I he separation of church and 
state means that neither institution 
controls the other, but it is not the sep- 
aration of religious values from form- 
ing public policy." Watkins remembers 
a particularly important moment in his 
own education when the U.S. represen- 
tative he once worked with turned to 
him and asked, "Jim, where in the 
world are your people?" The efforts of 
initiatives like Faith and the City will 
help people of faith become more 
active in the public arena. 

For more information about Faith 
and the City, visit the website at 
www.faithandthecity.org or contact 
Jim Watkins, WatkinsJ@CTSnet.edu, 
404/687-4672. D 

David Dault (M.A.T.S. '02) 



WINTER 2001 



For the Record 



If you have recent news to contribute to this section, please mail it to 
the editor, or you may email it to harperj@CTSnet.edu. 



Walter Brueggemann, professor of 
Old Testament, was awarded the 2000 
Theologos Award for best general 
interest book by the Association of 
Theological Booksellers for his book, 
Deep Memory, Exuberant Hope 
Contested Trust in a Post -Christian 
World. He preached at the Bryn Mawr, 
PA, church; spoke at the Roswell, ( -A, 
church; lectured at the University of 
Portland, the Reformed Church in 
America's Regional Synod of Albany, 
and at Bangor Seminary. He addressed 
the Presbyterian Covenant Network 
and led a clergy conference of 
Southeast Iowa's Synod of Lutherans. 
He has published 1 & 2 Kings and 
written articles for Horizons in Biblu al 
Theology, Strange Fire, and God Who 

Creates Anna Carter Florence, 

assistant professor of preaching and 
worship, delivered the Cunningham 
lectures at Austin College and had an 
article in journal for Preachers. She 
attended the Academy of Homiletics 
meeting in Dallas and taught a senior 
high class at the North Decatur, GA, 

church David Rollins '97 is pastor 

of Westminster church, Decatur, AL. 
...Jasper Keith, (STD 79), professor 
emeritus and pastor of the Decatur 
church, is the recipient of the J. Obert 
Kempson Distinguished Service 
Award, the highest award presented 
by the Southeast Region Association 
for Clinical Pastoral Education. 

Dick Newsome '90 is pastor of 

Trinity church, Charlotte, NC Gloria 

Jennings '90 (MATS '88) is executive 
director of the New Church Develop- 
ment Commission for Cherokee, 
Greater Atlanta, and Northeast 

Georgia presbyteries Ron Cram, 

associate professor of Christian 
education, taught a parenting class 
at Northwest church, Atlanta; was 
quoted in "The Faith Factor," in the 
December/January issue of Sesame 
Street Parents; presented "Memories 
by Christian Adults of Childhood 
Bully Experiences" at the Association 
of Professors and Researchers in 
Religious Education; taught a class at 
the annual meeting of the Religious 
Education Association (REA) and at 
Spring Hill College's Atlanta campus; 
and gave the president-elect lecture at 

the REA convention Joe Clifford '97 

is co-pastor of the Alpharetta, GA, 
church. 

Laura Mendenhall, president, has 
been elected to the Board of Governors 
of the Southern Institute for Business 

and Professional Ethics Kathy 

Carpenter '93 is pastor of the Rustburg, 

VA, church Walter Dinkins '88 has 

been called to active duty in the U.S. 
Navy, serving as senior Protestant 
chaplain for the Naval station in 
Bremerton, WA Clay Faulk '94 is 



pastor of First church, Jacksonville, NC. 

Wade Huie '46, professor emeritus, 
led the D.Min. supervised ministry 
course in preaching students in Jamaica. 
Huie preached at Central church, 
Athens, GA, and gave a stewardship 
series at First church, Gainesville, 

Joe Berry '66 is interim stated 
clerk of Northeast Georgia Presbytery. 

Tim Foster '91 is co-pastor of High- 
land Heights church, Cordova, TN. 

Brian Wren, professor of worship, 
preached at the C >'k Park church 
(PCUSA/UCC), Chicago; the 
Congregational church (UCC), 
Cumberland, MA; the Long Island, NY, 
Council of Churches; Trinity United 
Methodist Church, Grand Island, NE, 
and led workshops for the Anglican 
Diocese, Newcastle, Australia, and 
the Royal School of Church Music 

summer school, Canberra Danny 

Murphy (DMin '95) is associate general 
presbyter for mission, congregational 
development, and evangelism for 

Trinity Presbytery Ray Roberts '84 

had a book review published in 
Christian Century. He delivered a 
paper to the Society of Christian Ethics 

at its annual meeting Hannah 

Brawley '97 is associate pastor of Little 
Chapel on the Boardwalk, Wrightsville 

Beach, NC Laurie Valentine '96 is 

pastor of Speedwell church, Reidsvillo, 

NC Charles Cousar '58, professor of 

New Testatment, lectured to a class in 
religion at Auburn University; partici- 
pated in the installations of John Cook 
'99 and Susannah Hager '99 at the 
Shandon church, Columbia, SC; 
preached at the stewardship emphasis 
service at Eastminster church, Stone 
Mountain, GA; and presided at the 



BIRTHS 

To Walter '88 and Marilyn Dinkins, a 
daughter, Grier Ortiz , Feb. 16, 2000. 
To Stephen '95 and Kari Kolmetz '96, a 
daughter, Hannah Faith, Dec. 30, 2000. 
To Sue Ahn-Kim '99 and Joe Ahn, a 
son, Caleb Hyoungjoon, Dec. 20, 2000. 
To Kathryn'01 and Chris Summers Bean, 
a son, Samuel Andrew, Dec. 18, 2000. 
To Joe '01 and Joy Albright, a daughter, 
Marley Anna, Oct. 12, 2000. 
To Tim '01 and Tuesday Reynolds, a 
son, Seth Aaron, Jan. 5, 2001. 
To David '02 and Leigh Knauert, 
twins, Harrison and Lilly, Aug. 25, 2000. 



DEATHS 

William Giddens '49, Oct. 15, 2000. 
A.C. Bridges '56, Sept. 27, 2000. 
J. Stewart Miller, former pastor of 
Morningside United Church in 
Edinburgh, Scotland. He taught at 
Columbia in 1986. Nov. 3, 2000. 



Pauline Epistles Section at the annual 
meeting of the Society of Biblical 

Literature (SBL) Woody Brown '88 

is pastor of First United church, 

Fayetteville, AR Tim Read '98 is 

pastor of the Tabor church, Crozet, 

VA Dan Andriacco (DMin '00) has 

written a book, Screen Saved: Peril and 

Promise of Media in Ministry Harold 

Prince '60, professor emeritus, 
received the singles championship ten- 
nis trophy at the South Carolina 
Closed Senior Tennis Championships. 
...John Bell '88 is pastor of the 

Wellshire church, Denver, CO Lee 

Carroll '68, associate professor of 
supervised ministry, preached and 
taught classes at White Bluff church, 
Savannah, and has finished, with field 
educators from PC(USA) seminaries, 
"Legal Issues in Theological Field 
Education." He chairs the board of 
the Urban Training Organization of 
Atlanta and is vice-chair of the board 
the Appalachian Ministries 

Educational Resource Center Laura 

Dunham '94 has been appointed asso- 
ciate excecutive for mission and funds 
development, Synod of the Southwest. 
...Sam McGregor '92 is pastor of the 
Allison Creek church, York, SC. 

Darrell Guder, professor of evan- 
gelism and church growth, preached 
at the installations of Victor Pentz, 
pastor of Peachrree church, Atlanta, 
and Robert Laukoter '00, Church of 
the Covenant, Hurricane, WV. He 
attended the annual meetings of the 
Eastern Fellowship of the American 
Society of Missiology and the 
Academy for Evangelism in Theological 
Education, where he gave a response 
to George Gallup's presentation. He 
was the spiritual renewal conference 
speaker at St. Peter's by the Sea 
church, Huntington Beach, CA, and 
theologian-in-residence and preacher 
at the Providence church, Hilton Head 

Island, SC Janelle Tibbetts '00 is 

associate pastor of First church, 

Encino, CA Jeff Aiken '69 (DMin 75) 

is a trustee of Lehigh Valley Hospital 
and Health Network and vice chair of 
the board of directors of Presbyterian 

Homes, Inc Stephane Cobbert '97 is 

organizing pastor of New Millennium 
Baptist church, Houston. 

Kathleen O'Connor, professor of 
Old Testament, published an article on 
the Book of Joel in Harper Collins Bible 
Commentary; taught Sunday school at 
Holy Spirit Roman Catholic church, 
Atlanta; gave the Dobbins Lectures at 
Salem church, Salem, VA; and present- 
ed two papers at the SBL meeting 

Will Jones '96 is pastor of First 

church, Brownsville, TN Erin Sharp 

'99 is associate pastor of Fredericks- 
burg, VA, church George Stroup, 

professor of theology, preached the 
ordination service of Rich Holmes '00, 
Long Creek church, King's Mountain, 
NC, and gave the Hoon/ Bullock lec- 
tures, First church, San Antonio, TX. 
. ...Doug Ferguson '96 is associate pas- 
tor of the Menlo Park, CA, church 

Robert LaForce pMin '94) is pastor of 
Central church, Huntington, NY.. ...Jim 



Watkins '71 (DMin '77), director of the 
Faith and the City Project, led a strate- 
gic planning retreat for the Whitefoord 
Community Ministry Project; a work- 
shop at the Martin Luther King, Jr. 
Service Summit; and a "Faith and 
Politics" series for Men of the Church 
at Peachrree church, Atlanta. He 
preached at the Westminster Fellow- 
ship at Georgia Tech and staffed a con- 
sultation for PC(USA) seminaries. 
Caroline Coling '97 is chaplain at 

Philips Towers, Decatur, GA Rodger 

Nishioka, associate professor of 
Christian education, presented a ses- 
sion on young adult ministry for the 
REA and the Association of Professors 
and Researchers in Religious 
Education. He was Bible study leader 
for the Southeast Jurisdiction of the 
United Methodist Church Youth 
Workers Conference, led a workshop 
for the presbytery of Lake Michigan 
and was keynote speaker for the 
Church Redevelopment Conference, 
Synod of Living Waters. He preached 
at Cumberland church, Rydal, GA, 
Calvary church, Stockton, CA, and the 

Roswell, GA, church Carol Johnson 

'00 is in clinical pastoral education at 
the Eger Health Care Center, Staten 

Island, NY Phil Gehman '68, dean 

of students and vice president for stu- 
dent life, made a presentation to the 
PC(USA) National Ministries Division 
Committee, served on the leadership 
team of a Committee on Preparation 
for Ministry leadership conference at 
Union-PSCE, and participated in a 
meeting of the PC(USA) placement 

officers Janet Looby '00 is pastor of 

First church, Andalusia, AL. 

Ann Clay Adams, director of 
admissions, led a retreat for the 
Presbyterian Women of First church, 

Conyers, GA Joey Byrd '87 is stated 

supply for the Armstrong Memorial 

church, Gastonia, NC Jeff Beebe '94 

is associate pastor for youth at Christ 

church, Ormond Beach, FL John 

Patton, professor of pastoral theology, 
Continued on page 11 




Vantage 

Volume 92, No. 3, Winter 2001 
Published quarterly by 
Columbia Theological Seminary 
Circulation: 28,000 



The Office of Development and 
Seminary Relations 

Editor: Juliette Harper 
Director of Publications 
and Publicity 

Postmaster: Send address 

changes to Vantage 

Columbia Theological Seminary 

P.O. Box 520 

Decatur, GA 30031-0520 

VANTAGE 



For the Record 

am tinned frontpage 10 






gave three lectures on pastoral care for 

clergy and laity, Tupelo, MS Sarah 

Diehl '98 is associate pastor of Kirk of 

Kildaire, Cary, NC Marcia Riggs, 

associate professor of Christian ethics, 
was a presenter for a roundtable dis- 
cussion on "Faith Communities and 
the Urban Poor" at the Annie E. Casey 
Foundation in Baltimore; chaired the 
Womanist Approaches to Religion 
and Society Group of the American 
Academy of Religion in Nashville; and 
preached the installation service of 
Gregory Griffith (DMin '00) at Trinity 
Episcopal Church, Coshocton, OH. 

Stan Wood, director of the Center 
for New Church Development (NCD), 
attended the Association of Evangelist 
and Theological Education meeting; 
Charlotte Presbytery's NCD seminar; 
the Council on Native American 
Ministries and Native American Lilly 
Grant NCD meeting; an Eastern 
Tennessee Presbytery consultancy 
meeting; and the Hispanic 
Commissioned Lay Pastors Training, 
sponsored by Columbia's Center for 
NCD and San Francisco Seminary, 
Southern California, with Santa 
Barbara, Riverside, San Fernando, and 

San Gabriel presbyteries Kathy 

Crighton '00 is pastor of First church, 

Ponchatoula, LA Bill Harkins, 

instructor in pastoral care and theolo- 



gy, is serving on the board of trustees 
of the Pastoral Counselors Association 
of Georgia and led the parish and 
vestry retreat for St. Michael and All 

Angels parishes Ernestine Cole, 

associate dean of students, attended 
meetings of the Presbyterian Advisory 
Committee on Women's Concerns and 
the Presbyterian Health Network's 
Leadership Team. She is a member of 
Leadership DeKalb and attended the 
Presbyterian Health Education and 
Welfare Association conference. 

Sue Dickson (DMin '01) is pastor 

of Highland church, El Paso, TX 

Shirley Guthrie, professor emeritus, 
was a retreat leader for Christian edu- 
cators in the South and for ministers 
of Boston Presbytery. He was a 
resource leader for a study group of 
ministers in Salt Lake City in a pro- 
gram sponsored by the Center for 
Theological Inquiry. He preached and 
taught in churches in Atlanta; Kilgore, 
TX; Birmingham, AL; Louisville, KY, 

and Laurinburg, NC Kathryn 

Johnson Cameron '82 (DMin 01) is 
co-pastor, Rockfish church, Nellysford, 
VA Margit Ernst, instructor of theol- 
ogy, taught a workshop for newly 
ordained elders and preached at the 
Dorchester church, Summerville, SC. 
She was the advent speaker for 
Sunday school classes at the 

Clairmont church, Atlanta Lattie 

Collins '00 is pastor of First church, 
Donalsonville, GA Mark Douglas, 



From the Bookstore 

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1 & 2 Kings 

by Walter Brueggemann 

Wrestlin' Jacob 

Reprint with a new introduction by the author 

Erskine Clarke 



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assistant protessoi o! Christian eth 
taught an adult education series on 
church /state relation ihorpe 

church, Atlanta; presented a paper at 
the American Academy ol Religion 

(AAR). participated inaconrere n 

the relation of theologu ,il ediu ation to 

soda] witness, and led b conversation 
at theSoderj ol Christian i thus meet 

ing Wendy Neff '99 is associate 

oi For youth and communit) min 

istrieSj First church, knowille. IN. 
Christine Yoder. assistant prorea 

SOI of Old Testament, taught at Druid 
Hills church, Atlanta, a\m.\ First < hurch, 
( 0\ mgton, GA. She led a Central 
Florida Presbytery women's retreat 
and attended the annual SBL/AAR 

meeting C. Benton Kline, president 

emeritus and adjunct profeSSOl ol the 
ology, taught a class ,ii I unity church, 
Atlanta. At the North Eta atUE ( .A, 



Email request 

]im Speed '57 (DMin '84), din K toi 
of alumni/ae and church relation 
at Columbia, is sending pei iodi< 
email newsletters to alums. If you 
would like to receive updates on 
campus and alumni/ae new 
please send your email addn 
poeb@CTSnet.edu. 



Church, h€ took part in officer train- 
ing, taught a series on stew BXdship B 
class on worship, and prea* lied 

Cameron Murchison, professoi ol 
ministry, led a retreat on taith and 

monej .it the i. apitol I lil) * hurch, 

Washington, I > ( and preached and 
lectured on I ,u ing Issues of Death 
and D) ing In I Ight ot Christian I .nth" 

at First church Hickor) NC Sharon 

Mook assistant professor ol pastor, il 

theolog) and i are, Led an offii 

retreat for St Andrews church, lUckei; 

kttended the Society foi Pastoral 
i heolog) meeting; taughl adult 
church •• hoi »1 on Parenting 
Pres, hoi da and w as liturgist at tin- 
North i >.-. atui GA,< inn. ii. D 



S.D. Sims, 1906-2000 

Sarah i tennis Sims first exex uth e 
dire toi "i Mission I Ia> en died V 1 ]1 

23, 20(H). Mission I la\ rn, I.-, ated "ii 

the pounds oi Columbia Seminary, 
Is the iO \ eai old home assignment 
i.i. iiity for Presbyterian missionaries 
Sims assisted the late I h I \i» I towel] 
Rii hards '29, presidenl ol ( olumbia 
In the early planning itage foi the 
i.i. Qity, w hi< h Is "^ tied and operated 
by the Presb) tei i. in Women <>i 
Ai.ih.un.i, i lorida, l ieorgiB, Mississippi, 
South < arolina, and fennessee 



Ways to increase your income 






WINTER 2001 



Did wi (,i i youi attention? Certainly, 
all or us would like to in mr 

incomes to afford items of necessity or 
enhance our lifestyles. And many ol US 
would like to be able to give more. 

There may be a way that you can 
do both. You can increase your income 
by taking property that iscui rently 
producing a low return and transfer- 
ring it to an agreement th.it pn » n I. 
additional income. And part of your 
income may be received tax-free 

With that same agreement, you can 
make a gift to Columbia Theological 
Seminary. From your gift, you will 
receive an income tax charitable 
deduction, resulting in current tax 
savings and increasing the return on 
your investment. 

Columbia Seminary can help you 
increase your income as you make a 
gift. Here's an example: 

Mrs. Smith currently has a $15,000 
investment that is producing only a 
$450 return. In addition, Mrs. Smith is 
70 years of age, is concerned about her 
estate plan, and wants to give part of 
her estate to charity. 

To help meet her goals, Mrs. Smith 
transferred the investment to Columbia 
Seminary in return for our promise to 
pay her a lifetime income. Her benefits 
from the transfer are as follows: 

• She will receive a guaranteed annual 
income of $1,155, of which a portion 
will be received tax-free. This is an 
increase of $700 over what she cur- 
rently receives from her investment. 

• Mrs. Smith will receive an income 



i Ii.ii it.ihlc dr. In. lion nl approxi- 
mately $5/598, resulting in ,i . iii i.nl 
h-deral in. nun' lax sax nigs ol BIOM 

than $1,950 (assuming b i pen exit 

. omhincd h-ilrr.il and state hi ■ 

bracket). 

• Let's further assume that Mrs. Smith 
originally p.ud $5,000 for the Invesl 

mi m ii .ii.- had sold the Invei I tl 

she would pax i apital ■.■ / \\w- tax 
on $10,1)0(1 lie. ause ol the unique 

provisions of this agreement i apital 

gains tax is payable on only approxi- 
mately 60 pen ''Mt "i hei gain, and 
this amount can be prorated over 
her life expectancy. This will result 
in an additional ta • of 

approximately $900. 

• ( onsidering the ta ■ ■ and 
the actual In "me she will receive, 
Mrs. Smith would need to earn an 

1 1 percent return on a fully taxable 
invr .iinriit to equal the -.prndable 
benefits of this special agreement. 

• The property is no longer in Mrs 
Smith's i". late, thus avoiding estate 
tax and probate costs. 

Naturally, the circumstances 
would be different for you. If you are 
retired or near retirement, if you 
have appreciated property, or if you 
would simply like to know how 
you can make a charitable gift and 
retain the income, call Michael Carey, 
director of gift planning, toll free at 
1-888-601-8918 for Columbia's Special 
Planning Report. It will provide details 
on how this agreement could work 
for you. □ 



Harrington Prize to honor 
Christian preaching and service 



A prestigious international award to 
honor outstanding Christian leader- 
ship and service has been established 
in the name of the late W. Frank 
Harrington, who served as senior 
minister of Peachtree Presbyterian 
Church in Atlanta for 27 years until 
his death. The award has been estab- 
lished jointly by Peachtree Church, 
Columbia Theological Seminary, and 
Presbyterian College. 

The W. Frank Harrington Prize, 
which will carry a cash stipend of 
$25,000, will be presented annually to 
a person who has led a life of exem- 
plary Christian leadership and service 
and made an effective witness to 
others. Along with the stipend, the 
recipient will serve as a distinguished 
visitor and lecturer for a designated 
period at each of those three institu- 
tions of the Presbyterian Church (USA). 

Harrington was a graduate of 
Presbyterian College and served as 
chairman of the Board of Trustees from 
1982 until his death on March 3, 1999, 
at the age of 63. He was also a mem- 
ber of Columbia's Board of Trustees. 

The Harrington Prize will be 



among the most significant awards in 
religion, following the Pulitzer Prize 
for Religion, the Templeton 
Foundation Prize for Progress in 
Religion, and the Grawenmyer Award 
in Religion, presented by the 
University of Louisville. 

"It will be one of the largest 
awards of its type to recognize 
preaching," said Dr. John V. Griffith, 
president of Presbyterian College. 
"This project will make a significant 
contribution to the advancement of 
Christian ministry by lifting up the 
parish ministry as central to the future 
of God's kingdom." 

The Harrington Prize will be 
awarded based on nominations sub- 
mitted to a committee composed of 
representatives from the three partici- 
pating institutions and a representative 
of the Harrington family. Recipients 
may be pastors, teachers, authors, 
missionaries, evangelists, or other 
leaders of Christian faith and service. 
The inaugural recipient will be select- 
ed this year. 

The Rev. Stephen Bacon '61, min- 
ister of administration and steward- 




W. Frank Harrington '60 (Th.M. '61) 

ship at Peachtree Presbyterian Church, 
said, "Dr. Harrington was an avid 
reader with a great curiosity and inter- 
est in all fields of human learning. 
These interests were reflected in his 
preaching and in his friendships with 
people across the country and around 
the world. He also was a person of 
great achievement in ministry. This 
prize will call attention to and give 
recognition to other persons of high 



achievement and broad interests." 

Columbia's President Laura 
Mendenhall says, "I am thrilled at the 
announcement of the Harrington 
Prize. Frank Harrington led a life of 
exemplary Christian leadership and 
service and made an effective witness 
to others. We miss his leadership now 
and are in need of leaders who call us 
into a vision of God's kingdom. The 
Harrington Prize will continue to lift 
up such strong Christian leadership 
and inspire us for service to others." 

Douglas W. Oldenburg, president 
emeritus of Columbia Seminary, said, 
"Frank Harrington's most lasting lega- 
cy to the Presbyterian Church (USA) 
will be his leadership and develop- 
ment of a great congregation and his 
commitment to Reformed evangelism, 
church growth, and new church devel- 
opment. He helped remind our 
denomination of the central place 
these areas should have in the mission 
of the church. I know of no one more 
worthy of having an award of this 
kind established in his honor and 
memory than Frank Harrington. It is 
fitting that these three institutions 
should join together in establishing 
this award as an expression of our 
gratitude to God for his faithful and 
generous service to us." □ 




Vantage 

P.O. Box 520 • Decatur, Georgia 30031 

404/378-8821 

www.CTSnet.edu 

CONTENTS 

Inauguration of President Mendenhall 1 

Vision and surprises 2 

Tribute to Ludwig Dewitz 2 

Faith and the City 3 

Barth conference scheduled 3 

Alumni /ae survey results 4 

Professors engage the church 4 

Doctor of Ministry offerings 5 

New Church Development 5, 6, 7 

Lay Institute of Faith and Life 6 

Continuing Education hosts Guthrie Scholars 7 

Spirituality Program offerings 7 

Events, courses calendars 8 

Reading recommendations from the faculty 9 

Columbia Friendship Circle 9 

For the Record 10 

From the Bookstore 11 

Increase your income 11 

Harrington Prize established 12 

COLUMBIA 
THEOLOGICAL 
SEMINARY 



i» 



Periodicals 
Postage 
Paid at 
Decatur, GA 

Publication No. 124160